Semarang, 5-7 December 2024 — The 4th National Student Leaders on Sustainability Meeting (4th NSLSM) brought together student leaders from across Indonesia to discuss and explore strategies for building a greener future. Hosted by Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) in collaboration with UI GreenMetric, this influential event was made possible through Universitas Negeri Semarang's ongoing commitment to positioning universities as key leaders in shaping students into future leaders with a strong knowledge of sustainability, contributing to the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.
The event opened with a series of impactful speeches from notable leaders in sustainability. Prof. Dr. Ir. Amin Retnoningsih, M.Si., Kasubdit Konservasi Universitas Negeri Semarang, and head of the organizing team, delivered the first remarks, emphasizing the essential role of conservation knowledge in preserving the planet. Her leadership has been instrumental in creating a platform that empowers students to become active champions of sustainability. Prof. Amin’s vision for NSLSM continues to inspire and shape the direction of sustainability efforts in higher education.
The Rector of UNNES, Prof. Dr. S. Martono, M.Si., was represented by Prof. Dr. Sugianto, M.Si., the Secretary of UNNES, who also addressed the audience. Prof. Sugianto reinforced the university’s commitment to sustainability, urging students to actively engage in the promotion and adoption of sustainable practices on campus. He highlighted the importance of universities in shaping a sustainable future by integrating sustainability into all aspects of academic and campus life.
In addition to Prof. Sugianto’s remarks, Prof. Dr. Ir. Riri Fitri Sari, M.M., MSc., Chairperson of UI GreenMetric joined the event virtually and spoke about the critical role that student leaders play in advancing sustainability at their universities. She encouraged students to become advocates for sustainability and to implement practices that align with global environmental goals.
On Day 1, Alfian Fajri Nasrulloh, an NSLSM alumnus, took the stage to share his personal journey and ongoing commitment to sustainability, offering inspiring insights on how student leaders can influence their universities' sustainability programs The event continued with a presentation by Dr. Junaidi, Vice Chairperson of UI GreenMetric, who explored the transformative power of student leadership in shaping a more sustainable world. His message resonated deeply with the audience, reminding participants of their unique role in advancing sustainability efforts both on campus and beyond.The first day culminated in a symbolic environmental commitment ceremony, where NSLSM alumni, VIPs, and student leaders signed a collective pledge to contribute to environmental conservation. This act highlighted the shared responsibility for creating a sustainable future.
On Day 2 of the 4th National Student Leaders on Sustainability Meeting (NSLSM), the event featured dynamic sessions focused on the role of Generation Z in advancing sustainability and the green economy. The day kicked off with a panel discussion exploring sustainable conservation practices, where Darmanto, S.P., M.AP., from BKSDA Jateng, discussed the importance of strengthening local conservation leadership through grassroots efforts. Prof. Dr. Amin Pujiati, S.E., M.Si., from UNNES, followed by emphasizing the pivotal role of Gen Z in driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urging students to see themselves as active change-makers in both local and global contexts.
Later in the day, Arief Khristanto, S.Hut, an expert on Low Carbon Development from Bappenas, provided a compelling overview of the future of green jobs in Indonesia’s low-carbon economy by 2045. He highlighted how sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure will offer significant opportunities for young leaders. The discussions offered valuable insights on how student leaders can contribute to shaping Indonesia’s sustainable future through innovation, policy advocacy, and the creation of green solutions.
In between these fruitful sessions, the event also offered an outdoor activity—a fish-release activity at Embung, symbolizing the participants' commitment to environmental stewardship. After this refreshing break, the event continued with a session on the role of student leaders in creating sustainable campuses, focusing on the implementation of the six UI GreenMetric indicators. The session was led by Teguh Prihanto, S.T., M.T., who moderated an engaging panel discussion with student leaders from various universities, highlighting how they can integrate sustainability practices within their campuses. This final session wrapped up the day’s activities, offering participants the tools and inspiration to make real, impactful changes at their own universities.
On the third day, marking the final day of the event, participants enjoyed a city tour of Semarang’s cultural landmarks, offering them the opportunity to reflect on the connections between environmental stewardship and cultural heritage. As they explored sites such as Tugu Muda, Lawang Sewu, and the Kota Lama, participants were reminded of the importance of preserving not only the natural environment but also the historical and cultural assets that define a community. This experience provided a holistic perspective on sustainability, emphasizing the need to protect both the planet and the rich cultural heritage that shapes our identities.
This event was fruitful in fostering collaboration and enriching discussions on the implementation of sustainability practices across Indonesian campuses. We look forward to continuing these discussions and supporting student leaders as they play a crucial role in enhancing awareness of sustainability and encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices both at national and international levels. The conversation will continue in 2025 when Universitas Airlangga will host the next NSLSM, bringing together student leaders from across Indonesia to further explore the role of students in shaping a sustainable future. For those interested in joining the conversation and learning about future events, please visit this page.
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Written by Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist UI GreenMetric